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“Well, women just don’t apply enough” is an excuse I’m quite frankly tired of hearing from companies that don’t seem to employ many women. They’re just taking their hands out of the matter entirely, rejecting the fact that they could, in some way, be responsible for the fact that women “just don’t apply enough.” Maybe there is no “just” about it. Maybe the company has certain policies and practices that are not appealing to women. Perhaps the company even does things that frighten women and make them feel as if they aren’t welcome. I know it all sounds very sinister, but a lot of companies do this without even knowing it. They’ve just had their way of doing things for so long, they don’t see the inherent bias against women in their system. Here are ways companies can actively recruit more women.
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Look at branding
Companies should look at their branding. Websites, brochures, billboards, bench ads. Are there many images of women? If so, what are those images? Is the woman an empowered role in the company? Or is she a lost-looking client who requires assistance from the male professional? Are there women of color represented? Is there diversity across the board? Those things matter.
